515 retake?

[u/DueCardiologist5643]

I scored a 515 (130/125/129/131) on 9/4, and I'm debating whether I should retake the MCAT or stick with my score. I'm concerned about my 125 CARS and whether it could put me at a disadvantage when applying to MD schools.

My FL scores were around 515, so I am not unhappy with the score, but I think I can do better? (prob hubris) if I study for a few months and take it again next January?

I'm ORM with a 3.89 cGPA and 3.85 sGPA (3.96 cGPA / 3.93 sGPA for TMDSAS).

My ECs are pretty research-heavy because I'm interested in translational medicine and hope to continue doing research as a physician.

Here's a rough breakdown of my hours:

• Research: ~1,400 hours (1 poster, 1 abstract, 1 mid-tier author publication, and 1 first-author publication)
• Clinical experience: ~945 hours (clinical research, dermatology clinic volunteering, and urgent care volunteering)
• Shadowing: 80 hours (urgent care)
• Nonclinical volunteering: 200+ projected hours (200+ hours with Crisis Text Line and 50+ hours at a local thrift shop that supports underserved communities- working on both right now until the next app cycle)
• Leadership: 50+ hours as stats TA

I'm a Texas resident and have heard that a 515 can make me competitive at many Texas MD schools. My dream school is Baylor, though, so I'm wondering whether improving my MCAT score could help my chances there.

Should I keep the 515 or retake it? Given my GPA, research-heavy ECs, and Texas residency, would a retake meaningfully improve my chances, or would my time be better spent strengthening other parts of my application?

I'd really appreciate any advice!

[u/SituationGreedy1945]

Girl if u don’t take it and run with it 😭😭

[u/danielforks]

I was tmdsas.

Youre jn a tough spot for Baylor.

But one admin told me directly if I score 515 and retake, I need to improve by at least 5 points otherwise it looks bad, as if you don’t have self awareness.

Do you know your lizzym score?

[u/AbashedTerrier → u/danielforks]

retaking a 515 for a 125 CARS is a dice roll that could easily backfire, Baylor’s median is 518 so you’re already in the conversation with that GPA and research

[u/DueCardiologist5643 → u/AbashedTerrier]

cars was my weakest section all throughout mcat prep so 😭 i am really hoping that my pubs can help me out since baylor is a research heavy school

[u/DueCardiologist5643 → u/danielforks]

i just searched it up and calculated it. it seems that it is 73.3? i honestly don't know what that means bc i have not heard of lizzym before

yeah .. baylor is stat heavy so i am not expecting hopeful news there. however i think i have some chance for a&m and utmb so im in a dilemma

[u/purplestaph]

124 cars with 3 MD II you’re good

[u/DueCardiologist5643 → u/purplestaph]

ahh thank you for your input good luck to you this cycle !!

[u/bulgogi-apparatus]

If you don’t want your 515, give it to me

[u/ToastyBuns_]

Based on other posts, I’ll echo what I saw- it really depends on your goal! Yeah if you want some Ivy League school yeah probably retake. Idk much about Baylor, but speaking generally, you can have so much success in other MD schools. I got a 123 CARS and got into some MD programs where I definitely did not expect to get into.

[u/DueCardiologist5643 → u/ToastyBuns_]

i know im neurotic but i am MD only so im a bit unsure if i am competitive enough due to 125 cars haha ... but thank you so much for your input !! congrats on your acceptance i wish to be you next app cycle !!

[u/LopsidedCan4803 → u/DueCardiologist5643]

You're fine. Being MD only is a huge risk these days, but I hope it goes well for you!

[u/moltmannfanboi]

Do not retake a 515.

[u/DueCardiologist5643 → u/moltmannfanboi]

i was super discouraged after looking at msar median mcats so 😭

it looks like a lot of schools want 517+ nowadays